SUZANNE BRANGHAM
Builder/Developer

A remarkable talent in foresight is what has made Suzanne Brangham highly successful in the real estate industry. Over the last 25 years, she saw beyond dilapidated structures, depressed markets and cash shortages to transform over 70 buildings and homes into distinctive showplaces. She even authored the bestselling book, Housewise, about her experiences, which earned her national interviews and appearances on NBC's Today Show, Good Morning America and Oprah Winfrey. In 1994, Brangham restored General M.G. Vallejo's daughter's home, a historic landmark in Sonoma, and turned it into The General's Daughter, one of the most popular and respected restaurants in the Valley.

Never did she foresee that her next career would be hotelier. MacArthur Place, an extraordinary and luxurious 64-room historic inn located in Sonoma, has earned Brangham the added title.

After working over 25 years in real estate, restoring and building homes, and opening a restaurant, Brangham asked herself, "What's next?"

The answer came to her when she saw an irresistible 11-acre country estate in the middle of Sonoma. In 1997, Brangham purchased the Victorian estate, which included the original six-bedroom home, gardens and 100-year-old barn. The property has now been transformed into a luxurious, full-service inn and the barn has been converted into a modern conference center. In all of the transformation, Brangham has preserved and maintained the integrity of the architecture and ambiance of the original estate.

In addition to MacArthur Place and the prestigious General's Daughter restaurant, Brangham also opened in 1998, Ramekins, Sonoma Valley Culinary School. Housed in a 12,000 square foot rammed earth building she designed, Ramekins features over 300 classes annually, with a roster of 150 chef-instructors. All projects are located near the historic downtown Sonoma Plaza.

A Sonoma resident, Brangham is one of the creators of the celebrated Red and White Ball, a successful fundraiser saluting the red and white wines of Sonoma. She has also volunteered her efforts for The Boys and Girls Club, Sonoma Hospital Foundation, Teen Safe-Ride Program in Sonoma, Pets Lifeline, the Economic Development Association, and The Sonoma Plaza Foundation, where she was instrumental in the planting of 40 trees at the entrance to the historic town.

Amidst it all, one has to wonder, with regards to Suzanne Brangham, "What's next?"